Central Islip choir hits harmony of high expectations
New York Teacher - May 6, 2008
— Sylvia Saunders
In the midst of a Long Island district that struggles with poverty and a poor graduation rate, the Concert Choir at Central Islip High gives voice to the transformational power of music.
The gifted young men and women wowed NYSUT’s annual convention last month, singing everything from the uplifting harmony of the “Lord of the Dance” to the soulful spiritual “Ezekiel Saw De Wheel.” Many in the audience were moved to tears. Delegates spontaneously passed the hat and raised more than $6,500 toward the group’s summer trip to perform in Italy, including the Vatican.
But perhaps the biggest applause came after NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, who spent 34 years as a teacher in Central Islip, added that last year every one of the choir’s graduating seniors went on to college. This year’s seniors expect to repeat that amazing feat.
“Now that’s music to all our ears,” Iannuzzi said, to a standing ovation from the crowd. The graduation rate at Central Islip is less than 62 percent.
Students in the 70-member ensemble attributed their success to music teacher John Anthony, an energetic leader who cares, pushes them and demands that they do their school work and keep out of trouble if they want to stay in choir. Choir members thrive on long hours and strict structure, complete with military turns as they entered and exited the concert hall.
High expectations pay off: the group was the only Long Island high school choir selected to perform at Disney Honors in 2005 and 2007. In 2006, they represented New York at a music festival commemorating the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth in Austria. While in Europe, the group also performed in Prague and Vienna.
This summer, the group will travel to Italy to take part in the American Celebration of Music, with performances in Venice, Milan, Rome and the Vatican. Outside the high school, a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa marks their progress through the year in raising some $180,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
“You know what people say about this town,” Anthony said. “You’ve got to prove them wrong.”
